The Austrian company VELLO Bike is releasing two new versions of its Bike+ foldable electric bike, which swaps its single speed system with a multi-speed transmission. What better to understand the coasts, in particular.
VELLO Bike continues to strengthen its e-bike catalog after recently introducing its first-ever electrified cargo bike, the VELLO SUB. This time, the Austrian manufacturer is taking the basics of a model already sold, the Bike+, to decline it in a Gears version, that is to say with gears.
To do this, the manufacturer added a 3 or 6-speed transmission (optional). The latter uses the Speed Drive or Mountain Drive systems (useful for hills) from the Swiss supplier Schlumpf. These two technologies make it possible to play deeply on the ratio of the bike, thanks to a gear change button placed on the pedal, at the level of your heel.
KERS system
Two versions of the BIKE+ Gears exist: one in chromoly steel – considered a relatively high-end alloy –, the other in titanium. Titanium has the distinction of being as strong as steel, while being lighter and more durable. However, the brand only communicates on a single weight of 14.3 kg (without pedals), which remains very light.
Source: VELLO Bike
Source: VELLO Bike
Source: VELLO Bike
The two models are otherwise identical, or almost: Selle Royal, hydraulic disc brakes, 20-inch Schwalbe Marathon tires for the steel version, 20-inch Schwalbe Kojak tires for the titanium version, energy recovery system KERS (downhill or pedaling backwards) or Bluetooth support with an application on the menu.
The manufacturer mentions a tiny 173 Wh battery, supposed to offer a range of 75 km… in hybrid mode. Pay attention to this value: the hybrid mode lacks precision here. We imagine that it mixes several modes of assistance, combined with KERS technology capable of recovering a few precious kilometers here and there.
Sufficient torque given its weight
For the engine, the press release remains silent. But it’s a safe bet that the VAE relies on the same system as its automatic counterpart, delivering a torque of 40 Nm. For such a light model, that’s quite decent. Folded, the Bike+ Gears finally measures 57 (H) x 79 (L) x 29 (W) cm.
Bike+ Gears (steel version):
- 3 speeds: 3090 euros;
- 6 speeds: 3390 euros (Speed Drive or Mountain Drive).
Bike+ Gears (titanium version);
- 3 speeds: 4090 euros;
- 6 speeds: 4390 euros (Speed Drive or Mountain Drive).
Buying a Bike+ Gears Titanium before the end of May gets you a free cover, light and kickstand. Too bad that the latter is not supplied as standard.
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